News Summary
Allegiant Air has announced the launch of direct flights connecting Asheville Regional Airport to Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. With one-way fares starting at $38, the service will operate up to twice weekly, offering travelers a convenient way to explore the capital. Early bookings are advised, as seats are limited and promotional fares are available for a limited time. This expansion reflects Allegiant’s strategy to enhance travel options during peak seasons, despite facing challenges related to labor negotiations and recovery from recent weather events.
Asheville, N.C. – Allegiant Air has launched direct flights connecting Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) to Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Washington, D.C., with one-way fares starting at just $38. The new service will operate up to twice weekly, making it convenient for travelers wishing to explore the nation’s capital or visit friends and family.
Travelers looking to book these flights must do so by June 22, with the dates available for travel extending until September 15. The airline has a limited number of seats for the new route, emphasizing the need for early reservations to secure low fares. The inaugural nonstop flights will officially begin on June 20, 2025, with a promotional fare of $39 available for bookings made by November 20, 2024, for travel through July 25, 2025.
This announcement is part of Allegiant’s broader strategy to expand its offerings, which includes the addition of 44 new nonstop routes and new services to three additional cities: Gulf Shores, Alabama; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Columbia, South Carolina. This expansion reflects robust demand for leisure travel, particularly during peak travel times such as holidays, summer, weekends, and school breaks.
Allegiant’s Chief Commercial Officer highlighted the airline’s commitment to providing affordable and convenient travel options for its customers. In recent months, Asheville Regional Airport has seen significant growth in passenger numbers, recording its busiest month ever in July 2024 with over 257,000 passengers, a 5.1% increase compared to the previous year. This growth coincides with an extensive $400 million expansion project at the airport.
The new flights come at a time when travel dynamics in the region are gradually recovering. Recent weather events, notably Tropical Storm Helene, disrupted travel and had a negative impact on tourism in the following months. Furthermore, the airline has been navigating challenges related to labor negotiations, including a picket by Allegiant Air pilots on January 7, 2024. The pilots are seeking updated contracts with higher wages, as their current pay is reported to be approximately 24% lower than that of their counterparts at other airlines. Discussions regarding work rules and scheduling have been ongoing, with the union reportedly not making counter-proposals on these economic issues for over two years.
Despite these challenges, Allegiant Air remains committed to addressing the outstanding issues with its pilots and has proposed a competitive wage package along with a retention bonus program as part of its negotiation strategy. The airline is focused on ensuring that operations continue to run smoothly while expanding its route offerings, benefitting both leisure travelers and its workforce.
Overall, the launch of direct flights from Asheville to Washington, D.C., represents a significant advancement in travel options for residents and visitors alike, while also underscoring Allegiant Air’s ongoing efforts to adapt in a rapidly changing travel landscape.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS
- Wikipedia: Asheville
- WJHL
- Google Search: Allegiant Air flights Asheville to Washington DC
- Blue Ridge Now
- News 4 San Antonio
- PR Newswire
